MLA Alexander Sammurtok faces 6 historical sexual assault charges
Sammurtok plans to stay on as MLA while he fights charges, lawyer says
Nunavut MLA Alexander Sammurtok, seen sitting in Nunavut’s legislative assembly in a 2025 file photo, is charged with six counts of historical sexual assault. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)
Updated on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 9:40 a.m. ET.
Facing six charges of historical sexual assault, Alexander Sammurtok will continue in his role as MLA for Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet while his case proceeds through the courts, his lawyer said Tuesday.
“Mr. Sammurtok intends to vigorously defend himself against any and all charges laid against him,” lawyer Victoria Perrie said in an email to Nunatsiaq News.
“He will remain an MLA and continue the good work he has been doing for his constituents.”
Police charged Sammurtok on Jan. 21 with six counts of historical sexual assault that allegedly occurred between 1982 and 1983, RCMP spokesperson Sgt. George Henrie said in an email Thursday.
Henrie said he couldn’t provide further information because “the matter is before the courts.”
Reached by phone Tuesday, Sammurtok declined to comment on the charges and referred all questions to his lawyer.
Sammurtok was first elected to the legislative assembly in a 2014 byelection in Rankin Inlet South.
He was later elected in Rankin Inlet North-Chesterfield Inlet in 2021 and re-elected in 2025.
Sammurtok currently chairs the regular members caucus of the legislative assembly and is a former mayor of Whale Cove.
Correction: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of lawyer Victoria Perrie’s name.
If it’s news worthy , he needs to get out of that seat! If the other MLA’s have any guts , they need to take him out.
Generally agree, but we need to let due process run its course.